Name: Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 2 h 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast; 2 teaspoons (10g) salt; 1 ¾ cups (415ml) warm water; ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves; Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

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If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the rustic charm of Italian cuisine in your own kitchen, look no further than this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe.

With its golden crust, soft interior, and aromatic toppings of rosemary and olive oil, focaccia is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

The best part? Making focaccia at home is surprisingly simple. With just a handful of pantry staples and some patience for the dough to rise, you can enjoy this classic Italian flatbread fresh out of the oven. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious bread step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beginner-Friendly: No advanced baking skills are required! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for first-time bread bakers.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish with soups, salads, or pasta, or use it as a base for sandwiches.
Simple Ingredients: All you need are basic items like flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, and rosemary to create a masterpiece.
Customizable: While this recipe uses rosemary and sea salt, you can get creative with toppings like garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade focaccia bread:

4 cups (500g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
2 teaspoons (10g) salt
1 ¾ cups (415ml) warm water
¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

These simple ingredients come together to create a bread that’s rich in flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast. Slowly add in the warm water (1 ¾ cups) and olive oil (¼ cup). Stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, kneading will only take about 5-6 minutes.

2. First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, creating air pockets that will give your focaccia its signature texture.

3. Shaping and Dimpling the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, grease a baking sheet generously with olive oil. Gently transfer the dough onto the pan and stretch it out to fit. Be careful not to deflate it too much—you want to preserve those lovely air bubbles.

Using your fingertips, press into the dough to create dimples all over the surface. These dimples not only give focaccia its characteristic look but also help hold the olive oil and toppings.

4. Second Rise

Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures that your focaccia will be light and fluffy.

5. Topping and Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before baking, drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, making sure it pools slightly in the dimples. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves for that classic Italian flavor.

Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown. The edges should be crisp, and the center should be soft yet fully cooked.

6. Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, allow the focaccia to cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice it into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or enjoy it on its own—it’s that good!

Tips for Perfect Focaccia

Use Warm Water: The water should be warm but not hot (around 100°F/38°C). This helps activate the yeast without killing it.
Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavor of the bread.
Be Patient with Rising: Allowing enough time for both rises is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.
Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary and sea salt are classic choices, feel free to add your favorite herbs, cheeses, or vegetables.

FAQs About Homemade Focaccia Bread

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes! While bread flour gives focaccia a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content, all-purpose flour works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.

2. How do I store leftover focaccia?

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

3. Can I freeze focaccia?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and then warm in the oven.

4. What other toppings can I use?

You can get creative with toppings! Try adding sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, or even chili flakes for some heat.

5. Why is my focaccia dense?

If your focaccia turns out dense, it could be due to under-kneading or not allowing enough time for the dough to rise. Make sure to knead thoroughly and let the dough double in size during both rises.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s day brighter. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a special snack, this focaccia will transport you straight to Italy with every bite.

So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! Buon appetito!